Happy Birthday Caity!

It is strange to reflect on what seems to be the fastest 7 years of my life while at the same time looking ahead at what seems to be the slowest 6 weeks of my life. How is it that my sweet "first little baby" is now 7 years old? And how is it possible that at the same time the remaining 6 weeks we must wait to meet the newest addition to our family could seem so far away?

Caitlin is suddenly very big and has even begun celebrating her birthdays in true style: three weeks at a time. We started the festivities the day before her birthday with a "simple" BBQ here at the house for family. It was perfect. Plenty of food, good company, and fun.


Then, the following Monday, Caity announced that we needed to bring treats to school to celebrate with her class. Oh Yeah! forgot about that one. So Amber and I scurried out to pick up Caitlin's order of donuts for her class. A big hit by the way. I guess cupcakes get boring after 15 of the kids have already had their birthday treats brought in throughout the year.

Caitlin's party for her friends was next. Eight little girls joined us for Caity's birthday campout. Caitlin had orrigionally wanted a sleep over. No thank you. I talked her into a "late-over" where her friends could have all the fun of a sleep over but actually get the sleeping part accomplished in their own homes. We made sure to have all the elements of a campout and the girls LOVED it!

Everything ran smoothly with the exception of a tent post breaking which resulted in the lovely "sliding-down-the-hill" layout for sleeping bags and blankets. But that ended up being part of the fun anyway.

We all enjoyed some home made shaved ice while Caity opened gifts,


Popcorn 'round the "campfire",


Goofy, 7-year-old antics,
and, of course, no campout would be complete without s'mores.


After the yummy treats were gone I ushered all 9 little monkeys into the house. We got everyone into jammies, brushed 9 little heads of hair and 9 little mouths full of popcorn ridden teeth, and then passed out 9 little plastic lanterns for them to scurry around the yard with.
To finish off the evening we all settled into sleeping bags under the stars and read stories until parents began to show up to corrall the little imps into their cars headed for their own cozy beds.

It was a great success as I managed to time things perfectly for all meltdowns and tired tantrums to happen after their parents arrived. Actually, truth be told, the girls all seemed to do perfectly and the timing couldn't have been better.

Caitlin has two friends that share her birthday weekend each year. So we also managed to squeeze in both of their parties. And now Caitlin should finally be wrapping up the birthday experience by enjoying a trip to "John's Incredible Pizza" (the latest version of Chuck E Cheese on steriods) this Friday with Brad's family. One party just wasn't enough let alone five in two weeks!

Happy Birthday my sweet "first baby"!!